Police said that under state law, the man was justified in shooting and killing the 6-year-old Brittany spaniel because he believed it was threatening his animals on his property.

The shooting outraged the dog's owners and sparked debate in the small town over whether that use of force should be allowed.

"Obviously, it needs to be looked at because it's too severe of a way to handle the situation," said resident Mickey Black.

"But the law is the law," said Priscilla Lindquist, a member of the board of selectmen. "We have a town law, and we have a state law. You're supposed to be in control of your animal."

State Rep. Regina Birdsell, R-Hampstead, said she believes in the 2nd Amendment and the law that's already on the books. A dog lover, she said she also thinks this case could have been handled differently, so she said it makes sense to review the statute.

"This is a law that is needed, especially in the rural areas where they have livestock," she said. "So, we'll see what we can do. That's all we can do."

Birdsell is talking with other representatives in the area about the law, but so far, there are no plans to try to make changes.

A maid who cleaned the home of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has testified at his murder trial that she saw him "messing with" the security camera in his basement the day after the killing.